Srinagar, Mar 10 (KNO): The government on Monday said that many Tourism Development Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are operating with minimal staff.
In response to a query the government, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) informed the Legislative Assembly that some tourism authorities have only two to four employees, making it challenging for them to manage the operations effectively.
“The total number of employees across all Tourism Development Authorities in J&K stands at 727. Of these, 449 employees (61.76%) are casual labourers,” it said, adding, “This imbalance raises concerns over long-term workforce stability and the operational efficiency of these tourism bodies.”
Among the most understaffed bodies, the government said that the Shopian-Dubjan-Peer-ki-Gali Development Authority has only two employees, while the Hygam Nigli Development Authority operates with just eight casual laborers.
The Tosamaidan Development Authority has no staff at all, the government said as per KNO.
It said that even larger tourism bodies struggle with manpower shortages. The Sonamarg Development Authority operates with a total of 75 employees. The Pahalgam Development Authority, managing one of Kashmir’s most visited tourist destinations, has a workforce of 172 employees.
The Verinag Development Authority has only 63 employees, while Doodhpathri Development Authority operates with 51 staff members, including 35 casual labourers.
The Kokernag Development Authority operates with a limited workforce of 71 employees, including 64 casual labourers.
The Lolab-Bangus-Drangyari Development Authority has a small team of four people. Manasbal Development Authority has 72, Yousmarg Development Authority 30 and Aharbal Development Authority has 31 employees.
Similarly, the Kishtwar Development Authority has five employees. The Rajouri Development Authority has 20 and the Poonch Development Authority has 14 employees—(KNO)